Embalming composition



Patented Nov. 2, 1943 EIWBALMING COMPOSITION Hilton Ira Jones, Wilmette, Ill., assignor to Hizone Products, Wilmette, 111., a partnership comprising Hilton Ira Jones, Blanche P. Jones, Hoydn Jones, and Llewellyn Jones No Drawing. Application October 24, 1942, Serial No. 463,273

4 Claims.

The present invention relates to the embalming art, and more particularly to improved emba-lming compositions.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide improved embalming compositions.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide improved fluids for use in the preservation of dead bodies.

Other objects of the present invention will be apparent as the detailed description hereinafter proceeds.

Compositions employed in the embalming art comprise generally aqueous solutions of germi cides, penetrants and humectants. The use of formaldehyde as the basic material has been considered essential and its use in substantial amounts is required by State laws in certain States. It has been recognized for a long time, however, that'embalming compositions containing formaldehyde and particularly compositions containing relatively large proportions of formaldehyde, were not completely satisfactory and possessed certain distinct disadvantages. It has been found, for example, that formaldehyde (which boils at 21 C.) hardens the flesh in a relatively rapid manner and that the hardening reaction. as it tends to constrict the capillaries before the embalming operation is completed, is of the type which does not permit optimum embalming. In addition, it has been found diflicult in practice to control the toxic irritating vapors which escape from composition containing relatively large amounts of the low boiling formaldehyde.

I discovered after a detailed research investi gation that glyoxal may be used to advantage in place of or in conjunction with formaldehyde in embalm ng compositions. I also discovered that glyoxal (which boils at +505 (1.). is practically odorless in embalming compositions. Of utmost importance, I discovered that glyoxal (even in relatively low concentrations), acts at a. relatively slow rate to give an increased hardcning of the protein tissues in dead bodies. and hat th resulting hardening reaction is of the type which permits higher fluid penetration during embalming. Investigations have not only demonstrated that glyoxal compositions are adaptable for use in the embalming art, but in addition, that their use makes possible improved embalming operations.

The following examples will serve to illustrate the present invention:

Example I Per cent Water 3'7 Glyoxal (40%) 30 5 Methanol 20 With or without other materials, such as Per cent Glycerine 6 Sodium nitrate 5.

Borax 2 Example II Per cent Water 2v Glyoxal (40%) w Formalin (40%) 20 Methanol 20 Borax 2 20 Glycerine 6 Sodium nitrate .L 5

The ingredients in the above illustrative examples may be mixed with the water as desired, in accordance with standard practices. The glyoxal, like the formaldehyde solutions, is ordinarily added in aqueous solution of 40 per cent concentration. Additional germicides may he included, if desired, along with various-types of penetrants, humectants, etc. The methyl alcohol, the glycerine and the salts may be replaced with other materials, or omitted, if desired, although their use with glyoxal has been found to give certain desired effects. The amounts of glyoxai employed may also be varied, although its use in about 3-17 per cent'is ordinarily preferred. The optimum amount of glyoxal to be used (which usually runs around 10-15 per cent when no formaldehyde is used, and about 5-10 per cent when 144 per cent formaldehyde is used), may be ascertained by preliminary test.

Investigations have demonstrated that the gly oxal embalming compositions of the present in- .vcntion have the desired germicidal properties,

and that they may readily be handled in practice. Investigations have also dci'uonstratcd that the controlled hardening reactions coupled with the increased hardening of the protein tissues. obtainable by use of glyoxal. make possible improved embalming operations.

It will be understood that the present invention is not limited by the above examples which are only illustrative. All modifications of the present invention are intended to be covered by the following claims.

I claim:

1. An embalming composition containing about 3-17 per cent glyoxal.

2. An embalming composition containing as an essential ingredient, at least about 5 per cent glyoxal.

3. An embalming composition comprising an aqueous methanol mixture containing about 10-15 

